Horoscopes for July 8, 2014

Relationships intensify under this Scorpio moon. Emotional water-sign energy seems to form a swirling waterspout capable of pulling us into relationships too deep and too fast. Some react with abandon; others become private and protective of the status quo. Whatever your style, own it. This is no time to let yourself be unduly influenced.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Your physical strength today will be greater than that of yesterday. You’ll love how this feels and make efforts to keep the trend going. The magic formula is: more rest, less stress.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You’ll be exposed to the multilayered behavior of those with an agenda. It may take days or weeks to understand exactly what’s going on here, so don’t be too quick to make a move.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Vibrant health is the goal, and diet is the key. The first thing to ask is: Is this food? Most definitions of “food” center on a nutritious substance. If it’s not nutritious, consider that it might not really be food.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Our command of space is what makes others see us as either a leader or a follower. Dare to take up room and do what no one else is doing. Move to your own beat.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You could be the savior for yourself and for all of the others who are in your boat. How do you do it? Row, row, row. Only one person has to row, but everyone will get there.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). If you’re wondering why all of these people are around you now, it has something to do with your big heart. It sends out signals, and you’ll be impressed by who and how many respond.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). It’s like you’re in a high-pressure poker game deciding how to play your cards. If you’re going to pull this one off, there will have to be some bluffing involved.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). The old ways are back, and there’s a fresh hipness to customs like canning and backyard chickens. You’ll find joy in an activity that your great-great-grandparents probably relished a century or so ago.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). When you enter the scene, everyone will wonder who you are and what you do, so go ahead and answer their questioning minds with the things you think they should know about you.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You’ll feel like keeping the outer world at bay so you can concentrate on sorting through your inner world. However, you’re better off getting feedback. Too much time alone is distorting.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). As you daydream about your next lifestyle evolution, you start to realize what needs to happen for the mental picture to become reality. There are some sacrifices to be made, and you’re feeling ready to make them.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). So much seems to be riding on one decision. Actually, this is an illusion. The truth of the matter is that all roads lead to the same juncture of destiny; therefore, you cannot choose wrong. So don’t agonize.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY. A beautiful relationship blossoms over the next six weeks and will continue to fortify your heart throughout the solar year. Take an inventory of your best attributes because you’ll apply them to gain money and status in August. September is for giving to society in a way that only you can. November brings new business. Leo and Pisces people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 5, 17, 44, 38 and 19.

ASTROLOGICAL QUESTIONS: “My friend keeps buying these homemade candles that her psychic creates. The candles are supposed to do different things. Some of them are for attracting love, others money, and others help people with their divorces, business deals, home sales, family issues and on and on. Are these candles real? She swears by them, but they are expensive. Will they work for me, too?”

Magical items like lucky charms, chimes, candles, dolls and the like are made sacred by the intentions of their creator and by the expectation and energy of those who use them. They are as strong as the belief system by which they are formed. That is to say, they can be very powerful, indeed, as belief is a key ingredient of physical manifestation.

In your case, the issue is the price point. Consider that if you were to devote some time to creating a ritual for bringing your desire into the world, you could probably make your own intention-infused candles, too. And because they would be so specific to you, they would probably be even more effective. As you decide what to believe in, don’t forget to believe in yourself.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: From “Footloose” to “The Following,” Kevin Bacon uses his Cancer intuition to tap into the soul of the role and deliver performances that go straight to the heart. Bacon was born when communication planet Mercury and Uranus, the planet of surprises, were both in Leo. These placements suggest a natural drive to capture and hold the attention of an audience.

If you would like to write to Holiday Mathis, please go to www.creators.com and click on “Write the Author” on the Holiday Mathis page, or you may send her a postcard in the mail.